Program Areas
Pal-Thinks work can roughly be divided into four thematically defined categories. These program areas are the point of departure of all activities in Pal-Think. This is illustrated by a collaborate effort of the Project Unit and the Research Unit to compliment and support each other in the work on relevant issues related to one or more of the four Programs. The four program areas are the following:
- Politics and Governance
Pal-Think aims to conduct research and be a resource for local as well as international policy makers and lobbyists with an interest in the Palestinian cause. Through the focus on politics and governance, it is the aim to tackle some of the complex layers of the many conflicts in the region and to make policy recommendations for local and international policy makers and organisations. Further the aim is to strengthen political international awareness through network activities and to engage the Palestinian citizenry in dialogue about politics and the development of society.
Pal-Think focuses on issues such as:
- The current and future political system in Palestine.
- Active participation and democratization of the Palestinian political system.
- The role of international organisations
- Enhancing regional and international cooperation
- Reconciliation and Peace Promotion
The current internal division of Palestine, both politically, geographically and socially is one of the greatest threats to Palestinian unity. Pal-Think aims to promote alternative approaches to the current discourse of division by exploring and engaging in international
Pal-Think focuses on issues such as:
- Reconciliation and peace processes
- Cultural diversity, tolerance and acceptance of others
- Bringing Gaza to the world
- Civic Empowerment and Education
Pal-Think aim to work towards strengthening the civic society and empower the Palestinian population to take action and work for their rights. Through civic education and political training, Pal-Think aims to empower the most vulnerable groups in society, hence targeting its project efforts specifically towards the Palestinian youth with an emphasis in trying to engage the young women.
Palestine, and especially Gaza have one of the youngest- but most educated populations in the Middle East Region. Most of the young people have lived through three wars, which have resulted in devastation and lack of real livelihood opportunities. The current political situation in the region makes it difficult for the youth to link and apply their theoretical knowledge with practical experience and to engage in civil society and the political life in Palestine. These obstacles can influence the youth in a negative manner, resulting in radicalisation or for the youth to be stigmatized as idle. Pal-Think aims to activate the youth to become a positive influence in the development of an independent Palestinian state and to take precautionary measures against radicalisation by giving the youth a voice.
Pal-Think focuses on issues such as:
- Youth, education and active participation
- Radicalisation and alternatives to violence
- Female empowerment and participation in the public sphere in Palestine
- Entertainment projects for the children.
- Socio-Economics Development
Due to the siege, many people, especially in Gaza, have lost their livelihood opportunities and the unemployment rate is high, especially amongst the youth who are not able to fulfil their ambitions to contribute to society. The aftermath of the recent decades wars have further left Gaza in an urgent need of relief and development, especially within sectors such as sustainable energy, construction and export of goods. Pal-Think aims to support the development of an empowered public and private sector in Palestine, which can provide social welfare, jobs and increased stability and economic development to the Palestinian people.
Pal-Think focuses on issues such as:
- Job creation
- Empowering a sustainable private sector in Palestine
- Ensuring welfare to the Palestinian people through a strengthening of an accountable public sector